How to check that a practitioner is in good standing

2026-08-05 — Association Trager Québec

The question sounds minor, but it protects both the public and practitioners: how do you know whether the person offering you a Trager session is really in good standing? Since 1986, Association Trager Québec has recommended to the public qualified practitioners who are regularly evaluated and who follow a continuing education program. Here is how to check, in a few simple steps, before you book.

The rule is simple

If the person offering you a Trager session appears neither on the lists of Association Trager Québec nor on those of Trager Canada, they are not a practitioner in good standing.

Our practitioners offer individual and group services in long-term care centres (CHSLD), residences, community centres and to the general public. Wherever you meet someone offering Trager, the same rule applies.

In practice, before you book:

1. note the person's full name and the city where they practise;
2. look for that name in the directory on the Practitioners page, in the relevant region;
3. if the person presents themselves as a Trager practitioner but cannot be found, or says they are in training and asks you to pay, do not book right away;
4. write to the association so that we can check with you.

When in doubt, be vigilant and write to us: we will check for you. Internationally, Trager International also maintains a database of certified practitioners and can confirm a person's credentials.

What "in good standing" means

The people who practise the Trager approach are not called therapists, but practitioners. A Trager practitioner in good standing is someone who:

• has completed the international certification program of Trager International;
• holds a right-to-practise certificate renewed every year;
• takes part in continuing education;
• is subject to periodic supervision;
• is a member of the association.

It is Association Trager Québec that issues the annual certificate and renewal of the right to practise, in accordance with the requirements and standards set by Trager International. This renewal is not automatic: it requires the practitioner to meet their continuing education obligations.

These requirements exist to ensure the quality of services. Behind certification there are at least 409 hours of courses and fieldwork, including 226 hours in class or supervised. After certification, practitioners must still accumulate at least 24 hours of training every three years, including at least one Trager tutorial.

The trademarks are not decoration

Trager, Mentastics and the dancing cloud logo are registered trademarks of Trager International. Only practitioners who meet the requirements are permitted to use the Trager and Mentastics trademarks and to present themselves as Trager practitioners.

Seeing these words used by someone who is on no list is therefore not a detail: it is a signal. The national associations that make up the board of Trager International, including Trager Québec, ensure respect for these trademarks in their respective countries. Trager Québec has been recognized there as a national association since 2002.

Students, receipts and recognition

Three situations often come up in the questions we receive.

• Students. People in active training may use the trademarks during their apprenticeship, but they must offer their sessions free of charge. If you are asked to pay for a session given by someone still in training, something is wrong. This is also why you may come across students offering free practice sessions: each one must give at least 30 after every level of training.
• Insurance receipts. Only practitioners who meet the association's requirements may issue insurance receipts. If reimbursement matters to you, that is one more reason to check before booking, and to confirm with your insurer what your policy covers.
• Recognition. The Trager approach is recognized by the Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes, the Réseau des massothérapeutes professionnels du Québec and several other professional associations. As early as 2005, the Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes accredited the Trager certification program as one of its core trainings.

Finally, the association's mission includes informing and protecting the public by ensuring that practitioners comply with ethical standards, and to ensure their professional competence. To that end, it has adopted a code of ethics and a disciplinary procedure.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the list of practitioners in good standing?

On the Practitioners page of our site. The directory can be browsed by region, using a map of Quebec, and also lists practitioners outside Quebec as well as those on sabbatical. Clicking a name opens the person's profile and contact details.

What if the name is not on the list?

Wait before booking. Write to us: we will check for you. You can also contact Trager International, which maintains the list of certified practitioners worldwide.

How can I reach the association to check?

Write to info@tragerquebec.com or call 514 990-4761. Someone from the association will answer you.

Book with confidence

Checking is simple and ensures that you receive a quality mind-body session, given by someone who is trained, supervised and required to keep learning. Browse the directory of certified Trager practitioners, region by region. To understand what certification requires, read our Training page, and to know what to expect during a session, discover the Trager approach. And if someone close to you is hesitating, share this very simple rule: not on the list, not in good standing.